Text Reads: Did you know? TIPS save lives.

In partnership with Sarpy County, Gretna Public Schools is proud to offer two reporting platforms—TIPS and Safe2HelpNE—to ensure a safe, healthy, and secure environment for all community stakeholders. These tools allow students, parents, staff, and community members to report concerns or warning signs anonymously, helping to prevent tragedies and ensure the well-being of everyone in our schools.

The TIPS platform enables users to report incidents involving concerning behaviors, threats of harm, suicidal thoughts, and other risks such as drugs or weapons that may affect the safety of our school community. By reporting these warning signs, individuals play a vital role in identifying red flags before situations escalate.

“The goal of TIPS is prevention,” said Executive Director of Student Services Mike Sortino. “It’s about ensuring our students, staff, and community have a way to be heard, and that information is shared with the proper people who can take immediate action.”

In addition to TIPS, Gretna Public Schools encourages the use of Safe2HelpNE, a statewide anonymous reporting system designed for students, staff, and parents to report behaviors that could impact the safety of students or schools across Nebraska. Reportable behaviors include school threats, bullying, suicide concerns, crime, domestic violence, abuse, and concerns about a friend’s physical or mental health. Safe2HelpNE provides 24/7 access to live crisis counselors. To reach a counselor, call 833.980.SAFE (7233).

While both TIPS and Safe2HelpNE provide important layers of protection, they are not intended to replace direct contact with school administration or law enforcement in urgent situations. These platforms serve as additional tools to ensure concerns are addressed quickly and thoroughly.

We encourage anyone with information about potential risks or issues to utilize the TIPS platform, which can be found on all school website homepages in the Quick Links section.

Remember, you can also contact your school or the district office directly for more immediate concerns. By working together, we can stop crises before they occur and create a safer environment for everyone.